The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1887-02-22
A MAN WHO SAYS no.
The President Opposed to Turn.
ing Government Into a Char
ity Bureau.

The following : the message of the
president vetoiug the bill for the distri-
button of SEEDS in Texas.
TO The House Of RepresentGtlreE:
/ return without my approval house bill
No 1O,20S, entitled, ''An act 10 enable the
commissioner of agriculture TO make a
special distribution OF seeds in the drouth
stricken counties of Texas and making an
appropriation therefor" 1t is represented
that a long continued and extensive
drought has existed in certain portions OF
the state of Texas, resulting in failure OF
crops and consequent distress and destitu-
ton. Though there has been some differ
ence in statements concerning the extent
OF the peoples needs in tn localities thus
effected, there seems TO be no doubt that
there has existed condition calling for re-
lief and am willing 10 believe that not
outstanding the aid already furnished, a
donation of seed grain 10 farmers located
in this region to enable them to put in
pew crops would serve To avert
continuance or return of
an unfortunate blight. And
vet feel obliged 10 withhold nv approx
al Of the plan as proposed by this bill to
indulge benevolent and charitable senti-
ment through the appropriation Of public
funds for that purpose. /. can find no
warrant for such an appropriation in the
constitution, and do not believe that the
power and duty Of the general government
ought 10 be extended to the relief of indi-
viduals suffering, which is in no manner
properly RELAXED TO the public service or
benefit. Il tendency to disregard the
limited mission OF this power and duty
should, think, be steadfaStly resisted To
the end, that the lesson should be constant
~ enforced, that, though the people sup
port the government, the government
should not support the people The friend
lines and charity Of our countrymen can
always De relied upon 10 relieve their fell
los-citizens IN misfortune. This has been
repeatedly, and qnite lately demonstrated.
Federal aid in such cases encourages
the expectation of paternal care
on the part Of the government
and weakest the sturdiness of our national
character while il prevents the indulgence
among our people of that kindly sentiment
and conduct which strengthens the boods
Of common brotherhood st it within
my personal knowledge that individual
aid has 10 some extent already been ex-
tended To the sufferers mentioned in the
bill. The future OF the proposed appro-
priatiOn of $4,000 additional to meet their
wants will not necessarily result
in continued distress If the
emergency is fully made known to the
people ct the country. 1t is mere suggest
ed that the commissioners Of agriculture is
annually objected to expend large sum
of money for the purpose of propagation
and distribution of seeds and other things
OF this description, two thirds OF which are
upon the request OF senators, represents
tives and delegates IN congress supplied TO
then. for distribution among their consti-
tuents- The appropriation Of the current
year for this purpose is 100000
and will probably be no less
in the appropriation for the ensuing year
i understand that a large quantity of
grain is furnished for such distribution,
and It is supposed that this free apportion-
ment among their neighbors is privi eye
which may be wasted by our senators and
representatives. Ii sufficient of them
should request the commissioner Of agri-
culture 20 send their shares of the grain
thus allowed them, to the suffering
farmers Of Texas, they might be enabled
to SOW their crops, the constituents for
whom In theory this grain is intended
could we'll bear the temporary deprivation
and the donors would experience the sat
isfsctiOn attending deeds of charity.